Moving to Belmont, West Virginia
Belmont, West Virginia is a small city located in the northern part of the state. The city is situated on the banks of the Monongahela River and is surrounded by rolling hills and lush green forests. Belmont has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. It receives an average of 40 inches of precipitation annually, making it one of the wettest cities in West Virginia.
The history of Belmont dates back to 1825 when it was officially founded as a town. Since then, Belmont has developed into a vibrant community with a strong sense of pride in its history. The city has also been an important political center since its inception, playing host to several state conventions and elections throughout its history.
The economy in Belmont is largely based on the coal mining industry, which employs many local residents. There are also several manufacturing plants that produce goods such as furniture, textiles, and auto parts. Additionally, there are many small businesses located within the city limits that provide services such as retail stores and restaurants.
Belmont public schools are operated by the Monongalia County Board of Education and consist of three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one technical center for career education. The district offers a variety of special programs for students such as advanced placement courses in math and science as well as music instruction for all grade levels.
Some notable landmarks located in Belmont include Fort Martin Scott Historic Site which was built during the Civil War to protect citizens from Confederate forces; Jumonville Glen which was once home to French explorer George Washington; and Morgantown Historic District which includes several buildings from the late 19th century that have been preserved as historic sites. Additionally there is also a nature preserve located nearby called Coopers Rock State Forest which offers hiking trails along with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Population: 1,036. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,009 (-2.6% change)
Males: 452 (43.6%), Females: 584 (56.4%)
Pleasants County
Zip code: 26134
Demographics
Median resident age: 40.1 years
Median household income: $27,375
Median house value: $78,300
Population by Race
Races in Belmont:
- White Non-Hispanic (98.8%)
- American Indian (0.9%)
Ancestries: United States (19.9%), German (16.4%), English (11.3%), Irish (11.2%), Scotch-Irish (2.1%), Dutch (2.0%).
Elevation: 619 feet
Land area: 0.4 square miles
Population by Education
Belmont, West Virginia is a small town located in the northern part of the state. According to the 2010 census, Belmont had a population of 2,717 people. The majority of the population is white (92.2%), with African American (4.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%) and Asian (1%) making up the other racial categories. The median age for Belmont is 36 years old and the median household income is $50,000 per year. The largest industries in Belmont are manufacturing, retail trade and health care with many residents employed in local factories or stores.
Education is also important to many Belmont residents with most attending public schools within walking distance of their homes. West Virginia University is located nearby and many students from Belmont attend college there or at other nearby institutions such as Fairmont State University and West Liberty University. There are also several local elementary schools that serve students from kindergarten through grade 12 as well as private schools for religious instruction or special needs children. Many families take advantage of after-school programs such as tutoring and sports to further their children’s education.
For population 25 years and over in Belmont
- High school or higher: 78.2%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.1%
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.7%
- Unemployed: 3.1%
- Mean travel time to work: 23.8 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Belmont city
- Never married: 23.4%
- Now married: 54.0%
- Separated: 1.6%
- Widowed: 11.6%
- Divorced: 9.3%
0.0% Foreign born
Population change in the 1990s: +65 (+6.7%).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Belmont:
- MARIETTA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 14 miles; MARIETTA, OH)
- SELBY GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 14 miles; MARIETTA, OH)
- CAMDEN CLARK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 20 miles; PARKERSBURG, WV)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Belmont:
- MID-OHIO VALLEY REGIONAL (about 13 miles; PARKERSBURG, WV; Abbreviation: PKB)
- HARRISON/MARION REGIONAL (about 73 miles; CLARKSBURG, WV; Abbreviation: CKB)
- YEAGER (about 74 miles; CHARLESTON, WV; Abbreviation: CRW)
Other public-use airports nearest to Belmont:
- MONROE COUNTY (about 29 miles; WOODSFIELD, OH; Abbreviation: 4G5)
- NOBLE COUNTY (about 35 miles; CALDWELL, OH; Abbreviation: I10)
- P W JOHNSON MEMORIAL (about 36 miles; NEW MARTINSVILLE, WV; Abbreviation: 75D)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Belmont:
- WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY AT PARKERSBURG (about 21 miles; PARKERSBURG, WV; Full-time enrollment: 2,306)
- OHIO UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (about 59 miles; ATHENS, OH; Full-time enrollment: 18,721)
- HOCKING TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 68 miles; NELSONVILLE, OH; Full-time enrollment: 4,050)
- WEST LIBERTY STATE COLLEGE (about 72 miles; WEST LIBERTY, WV; Full-time enrollment: 2,453)
- FAIRMONT STATE COLLEGE (about 78 miles; FAIRMONT, WV; Full-time enrollment: 5,317)
- WEST VIRGINIA STATE COLLEGE (about 79 miles; INSTITUTE, WV; Full-time enrollment: 3,688)
- WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY (about 92 miles; MORGANTOWN, WV; Full-time enrollment: 19,666)
Public primary/middle schools in Belmont:
- PLEASANTS COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 418; Location: STATE ROUTE 2; Grades: 05 – 08)
- BELMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 257; Location: STATE ROUTE 2; Grades: PK – 04)